Genesis 10:12

And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same [is] a great city.

And Resen {H7449} between Nineveh {H5210} and Calah {H3625}: the same is a great {H1419} city {H5892}.

and Resen between Ninveh and Kelach — that one is the great city.

and Resen, which is between Nineveh and the great city of Calah.

and Resen between Nineveh and Calah (the same is the great city).

Commentary

Genesis 10:12 is a concise yet significant verse found within the "Table of Nations," a genealogical and geographical record in the book of Genesis. It provides a specific detail about the urban centers associated with Nimrod, a key figure in early post-Flood civilization.

Context

This verse is part of Genesis chapter 10, which meticulously details the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and their subsequent spread across the earth after the great flood. It serves as a foundational text for understanding the origins of various nations and peoples. Nimrod, a descendant of Ham, is introduced as a "mighty hunter before the LORD" and a powerful kingdom-builder (Genesis 10:8-9). His initial kingdom was in the land of Shinar, including cities like Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh (Genesis 10:10). From there, he expanded his influence into Assyria, where he built or was instrumental in establishing major cities. Genesis 10:11 lists Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, and Calah, and then verse 12 adds Resen, describing it as "a great city" located between Nineveh and Calah. This indicates a significant urban complex in ancient Mesopotamia.

Key Themes

  • Early Urban Development: The verse highlights the rapid emergence of organized human settlements and complex societies shortly after the Flood, with cities becoming centers of power and population.
  • Nimrod's Influence: It underscores Nimrod's role not just as a hunter, but as a formidable leader and empire-builder who established significant cities and kingdoms.
  • Geographical Precision: The "Table of Nations" is remarkably detailed, providing specific locations and relationships between cities, grounding the biblical narrative in real-world geography.
  • Foundations of Civilizations: This passage lays the groundwork for understanding the origins of powerful empires and regions that would later play crucial roles in biblical history.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a great city" in Hebrew is 'îr gĕdōlāh (עִיר גְּדֹלָה). This simple yet powerful description conveys that Resen was a city of considerable size, importance, and possibly strategic significance within the emerging urban landscape of ancient Assyria. It suggests a well-established and prominent settlement, likely playing a role in trade, administration, or defense alongside its more famous neighbors.

Significance and Application

While Resen itself is not mentioned again in the biblical narrative, its inclusion in this detailed genealogical and geographical record is significant. It reinforces the Bible's claim to historical accuracy and its attention to the details of early human civilization. The description of Resen as a "great city" further emphasizes the scale of Nimrod's kingdom-building achievements and the rapid development of human societies post-Flood. Understanding these foundational cities helps us grasp the historical context for later biblical events. For instance, Nineveh, mentioned as a neighbor to Resen, later becomes a central city in the book of Jonah, demonstrating the long-term historical significance of these early urban centers established by figures like Nimrod.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.